The primary role associated with the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) exam is that of a certified registered nurse anesthetist. This advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is essential in the healthcare setting for the administration of anesthesia and related care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures.
CRNAs have a broad range of responsibilities that primarily focus on patient care surrounding anesthesia. These duties include:
Key tasks for a CRNA include:
The salary for a certified registered nurse anesthetist varies by geographic location, experience, and workplace setting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2020, the mean annual wage for a CRNA was approximately $189,190. In high-demand areas or specialized medical facilities, salaries can considerably exceed this average.
Top employers for CRNAs include hospitals (both public and private), outpatient care centers, dental offices, pain management centers, military health facilities, and academic settings. Prominent health systems often regarded as leading employers for CRNAs include:
These institutions are known for their advanced healthcare services where CRNAs play critical roles in surgical teams.
The demand for certified nurse anesthetists is expected to grow robustly in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% increase in employment for nurse anesthetists from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by an aging population requiring more medical procedures that need anesthesia services. Additionally, there is a continuing trend toward using nurse anesthetists in place of more expensive medical professionals like anesthesiologists, particularly in rural or underserved areas where CRNAs often provide the majority of anesthesia care.
The role of a CRNA offers significant autonomy and responsibility within the healthcare team, making it both a challenging and rewarding career path with strong future prospects.
To become a certified RN anesthetist, you must first hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a valid RN license. You also need a minimum of one year of full-time nursing experience in a critical care setting. After meeting these prerequisites, you can apply to a graduate program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, which culminates in taking the CRNA exam.
The timeline can vary, but typically, CRNA programs take 24 to 36 months to complete, depending on whether you are pursuing a Master’s Degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This is followed by the certification exam. Total time from starting your BSN to becoming a certified RN anesthetist is approximately 7 to 8 years.
The CRNA exam is comprehensive and designed to test your knowledge and skills in anesthesia care across various patient populations and situations. It includes both written and practical components to assess your ability to safely and effectively administer anesthesia.
CRNAs have a wide range of employment opportunities. They work in hospitals, surgical centers, pain management centers, and can also be part of anesthesia care teams or work independently depending on state laws. Some CRNAs hold positions in academic settings or research institutions.
The demand for certified RN anesthetists remains high due to the growing need for healthcare services, particularly in anesthesia care for surgeries and pain management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average growth for nurse anesthetists over the next decade.
Experienced CRNAs may specialize in areas such as pediatric anesthesia, obstetric anesthesia, or cardiovascular anesthesia. Advancements typically involve taking on roles in research, education, or administration within healthcare facilities. Continuing education is essential for maintaining certification and staying updated with advancements in anesthesia care.
